Treks and Tours in 2006

VISIT THE CLOUD DWELLERS OF THE HIMALAYA
AN ADVENTURE INTO THE RECENTLY OPENED REMOTE VALLEY OF
NAR PHU - Annapurna Region

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April 3 2006- April 25 2006
Cost: US $1950- based on twin share for the whole package
(Minimum 4 people/ maximum 10)

Includes:

· 4 nights Kathmandu (two on arrival and one before departure)
· 2 nights in Pokhara (at the end of the trek)
· 17 day/16 night trek into the newly opened Nar Phu Valley - fully catered (most of the time camping with four or five nights in lodges) and includes porters and local guide.
· Permits into special areas (Annapurna Conservation Area and Nar Phu Special Area).
· All transport in Nepal which includes private transport to trailhead, flight from trek finish (Hongde) to Pokhara and flight back to Kathmandu from Pokhara at the end.
Not included:
· Meals in Kathmandu, Pokhara (breakfast is included in Pokhara but not lunch and dinner) - budget no more than US $10 a day for meals.
· Alcohol, soft drinks and personal snacks on the trail.
· Nepal Entry visa (US $30 on arrival),
· Staff tips (budget US $approx US$80-100 for tipping porters).
· International airfares (approx Can $2300/NZ $2100)

Ask anyone whether they have ever heard of the Nar Phu valley system in Nepal and chances are they will shrug their shoulder and go huh?

While hundreds and hundreds of trekkers take to the Everest region each year, just a few adventurous people take advantage of visiting a new valley in the Annapurna region that has only recently been open for trekking.

Access to this “hidden valley” lays just five days walk into the well trekked Annapurna Circuit near the town of Chame. It’s a narrow entrance that is easy to miss but once into this newly opened and restricted area it’s a world to savor and enjoy.
The people of Nar Phu are of Tibetan origins, eking their living from thin soil in a valley sheltered by towering peaks and shrouded in mystery and where myths and facts have woven together to become their history.
The Nar and Phu valleys are newly opened spectacular regions of ethnically-Tibetan people called the Bhotias. To trek in this region is to trek in a region of high peaks and passes, glaciers, remote villages, narrow canyons, lovely forests, amazing rock formations, yaks, gompas and unique Himalayan cultures.
To trek in the Nar and Phu valleys is to walk into a time warp, back to a time when the rhythm of the land and the seasons truly dictate how life is lived.

Day 1 April 3 - Arrival into Kathmandu 1400m

Day 2 April 4 - A day in Kathmandu – gear check.

Day 3 April 5 - Kathmandu drive to Besisahar 820m. walk to Bhubule or Ngadi. Depending on how late in the day we arrive we may spend our first night in a lodge although the kitchen crew will still cook for us.
*Please note that we may not stick “hard and fast” to the day to day itinerary. In consultation with everyone we will make changes when needed and required.

Day 4 April 6 -Bhulebhule/Ngadi to Bahundanda 1310m. camping

Day 5 April 7 - Bahudanda to Chamje 1430m. camping

Day 6 April 8 - Chamje to Danakyu 2300m. camping

Day 7 April 9 - Danakyu to first camping spot in the Nar Phu Valley 2740m. camping

Day 8 April 10 - First camping spot – Dharamsala or Meta3230m- camping

Day 9 April 11 - Dharamsala/Meta – Kayang 3720m - camping

Day 10 April 12 - Kayang – Phu 3900m: - camping

Day 11 April 13 - Phu exploring – camping

Day 12 April 14 - Phu – Nar Phedi 3550m - camping

Day 13 April 15 - Nar Phedi – Nar 4110m - camping

Day 14 April 16 - Nar exploring or to Kangla Phedi. Depending on how people are coping with the altitude or how much exploring we want to do around Nar we have three choices. Spend another day in Nar, head to Kang La Phedi, go all the way over the pass and spend an extra day exploring around Manang.

Day 15 April 17 - Kangla Phedi or Nar over the Kang La Pass (5300m) to Ngawal 3360m – overnight in lodge possible depending on how late in the day we arrive off the Kang La Pass (5300m). This could be a long day depending on the conditions or whether we decide to depart from Kangla Phedi or Nar. The final decision will be made in consultation with everyone.

Day 16 April 18 - Ngawal to Braga 3360m - overnight in most excellent lodge and we say goodbye to our hard working crew.

Day 17 April 19 - Braga/Manang exploring 3360m - overnight in Braga at the excellent lodge again.

Day 18 April 20 - Braga/ Manang exploring 3360m - overnight in Braga at the lodge.

Day 19 April 21 - Hongde – Pokhara low! – We leave Braga early for the short walk to Hogde for our amazing flight back to Pokhara where we overnight at the Kantipur Hotel.

Day 20 April 22 - Pokhara relaxing. – overnight at the Kantipur Hotel.

Day 21 April 23 - Pokhara - Kathmandu flight: We leave in the middle of the day for Kathmandu.
We will stay again at the lovely Courtyard Hotel again. If you would like to stay extra days in Pokhara instead of returning to Kathmandu let me know ASAP so I can rearrange accommodation and flights.

Day 22 April 24 - Kathmandu exploring. Overnight at Courtyard Hotel again. City Tour can be arranged for people and we have a farewell meal together that I will pay for.

Day 23 April 25 - trip finishes** for those of you who would like to spend the rest of the week in Nepal I have oodles of ideas.

You could stay a couple of days in delightful Bhaktapur 10km from Kathmandu and well worth the visit.
Chitwan National Park is another nice option. 2 nights 3 days is enough. An Everest flight is something worth doing.
Budget US$25 per extra night for accommodation, US$10 per day for food about US$5-10 per day for taxis